Ah, the Joy that is Fashionweek. The Troll as Gatekeeper, Endangering Many a Media Outlet's Possible Coverage & Photographs of the Fall 2006 Runway Shows from NYC's Bryant Park. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

My favorite part of Fashionweek? Besides waiting and being herded cattle-style into the shows, it's the delightful first day of fashionweek when everyone waits, again cattle-style, in the press registration area - usually crammed into the back of one of the large, circus-sized white tents.

Normally, once you eventually shuffle to the front of the line, the journos pick up their badges, the photogs get their pix shot for their ID, and then everyone heads for the coffee area. Not this season, though. No. This season, apparently a new and improved system is now in place whereby a certain individual, who I now officially dub The Flaming Troll, is denying press passes to photographers. Much like the Seinfeld Soup Nazi, photographer after photographer got turned away when trying to register on-site, and one of my own FT photographers suffered the same fate. Apparently, in a triumph of bureaucracy and the machinations of petty power, TFT required copies of the shooter's work - it's not enough to be accompanied by the magazine's editor.

With the shows about to start, said photog scurried across the street, in the pouring rain, to print out copies of his work, which he dutifully brought back. Denied. No, TFT needed to have copies of "where" it appeared - for "evaluation." Again, more photogs were witnessed being turned away. I talked to other extremely high profile editors who were also having amazing difficulties with TFT - and in particular, one large and well known media and retail outlet that I would imagine is actually registering legitimate photographers rather than, I don't know, random people off the street?!

When I accompanied said photog to Kinko's, I found it bustling with other photographers doing the same - as well as one intrepid team forging press passes. Right on...I wish I had thought of that!

» The Inimitable André from Counterfeit Chic
As New York Fashion Week got underway on Friday, the (unwilling to be linked) Wall Street Journal offered advice to would-be gatecrashers at the see-and-be scene: beware the fashion police. Despite this imposing security detail, my own expe... [Read More]

Tracked on Feb 5, 2006 10:54:48 AM

» The Inimitable André from Counterfeit Chic
Some peoplepursue an it handbag -- real or fake -- as a status symbol. Others attempt to share the same exclusive venue as celebrities and other wannabes -- St. Barths, Aspen, or (this week) the tents in Bryant Park.... [Read More]

Tracked on Feb 5, 2006 11:07:15 AM

Comments

hello,

We are a Dutch Fashion Magazine targeting the professional fashion market in the Benelux. We are currently looking for a photographer who shoots street fashion in NY. Can someone help us further?